Unequal access to artificial intelligence infrastructure and technology poses a significant risk of deepening global inequality, a senior United Nations official warned.

Tomas Lamanauskas, a deputy secretary-general of the UN, voiced these concerns during the 9th World Investment Forum held in Qatar. His statement highlights a growing apprehension among international bodies regarding the equitable distribution of benefits from advanced technological developments.

Lamanauskas indicated that the current landscape of AI development and deployment could exacerbate existing disparities between nations and within societies. The core issue, he explained, revolves around who has access to the foundational infrastructure, data, and expertise required to develop and utilize AI technologies effectively.

Experts suggest that countries with limited resources and technological capabilities may be left further behind as AI-driven economies advance. This could lead to a widening gap in economic opportunities, innovation, and overall development, creating a more polarized global landscape.

The World Investment Forum serves as a platform for global leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss critical issues related to investment and sustainable development. Lamanauskas's remarks underscore the need for inclusive strategies to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more broadly.

Discussions at such forums often address the challenges of bridging the digital divide and fostering an environment where all nations can participate in and benefit from technological progress. The implications for global economic stability and social cohesion are substantial if these inequalities are not proactively managed.

Further conversations are expected to focus on policy interventions and international cooperation mechanisms aimed at promoting equitable access to AI resources. This includes considerations for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and investment in AI research and development in less developed regions.

Questions remain about how to effectively implement these measures and ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a driver of division on a global scale.